Prince Harry visits Lesotho for first time in six years

By Hannah Furness.

The Duke of Sussex has returned to Lesotho for the first time in six years, meeting with the country's King, Queen and Prime Minister for a solo trip during which he called for "people from the top" to "start listening".

The Duke, 40, returned to southern Africa to visit the Sentebale charity he co-founded in 2006, for what his office described as a "series of impactful events".

Travelling with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Sophie Chandauka, chairman of Sentebale, Prince Harry took part in a "fireside chat" in which he praised the charity's work so far.

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"It's making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people ranging from six to 25 – and the biggest difference of which really needs more work, is when people from the top start listening," he is reported to have said.

Addressing a group of young people and others connected to the charity, the Duke added: "We are building a force of young advocates and when they are empowered to use their voices, the strength of their impact will be immense.

"You might not always realise how significant your influence is, but if it changes even one person's life, it's worth it."

On his second day in the country, he travelled to the Leribe region where he met with international funders as well as locals, visiting a health facility which provides care to young people.

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He went on to meet a group of teenage girls and young women who have taken part in Sentebale's programme to complete vocational courses in dressmaking and hairstyling and, his office reported "proudly showcased their skills and entrepreneurial spirit".

The Duke also saw a climate resilience project where community members told stories and performed in celebration of their cultural heritage.

The previous day, Tuesday, the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reported that Prince Harry was "warmly welcomed by The King and Queen in a private meeting".

The occasion was intended to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lesotho, they said, adding: "The Duke holds a special place in his heart for this nation."

Prince Harry made "heartfelt remarks" with the visit to the Basotho people, "reaffirming his dedication to initiatives that uplift communities and foster lasting change".

The visit was photographed, with a daily report written by the Sussexes' staff posted on their website.

"As the celebrations for Lesotho's bicentennial unfold, Prince Harry's presence signifies deep respect for the country's heritage and its people," they said.

"He concluded the evening feeling uplifted by the dedication and determination of everyone involved, reinforcing the belief that, united in purpose, they can forge a brighter tomorrow."

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Prince Harry spent two months in the kingdom of Lesotho during his gap year when he was 19 in 2004, which inspired him to establish the Sentebale charity two years later, which now also works in Botswana.

It is his first visit to the country for six years, with his last taking place in 2018, the year he married the Duchess of Sussex.

This time, Prince Harry is expected to continue his solo trip to Lesotho with a visit to Johannesburg in South Africa.

© Telegraph Media Group Limited 2024

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